Football is as American as apple pie, but apparently not American enough for one South Carolina high school.

School officials at Travelers Rest high school banned students from bringing the American flag into football games, saying that some students were using the flag as a way to taunt Hispanic students from another school.

EAG News:

“Some events at last evening’s football game have resulted in concerns being raised in our community. I am writing to assure that any decisions made regarding American flags being permitted into the game were made in the best interests of all attending the game and in the spirit of patriotism and respect for our flag,” Lavely wrote in response to Facebook backlash about the ban, which turned away several students who came to the game with American flags.

“Any decision to not allow the American flag to be used in an improper ‘taunting,’ unsportsmanlike manner is first and foremost in the interests of promoting the safety and well-being of all in attendance at school events. This decision would be made anytime that the American flag, or any other symbol, sign, cheer, or action on the part of our fans would potentially compromise the safety of all in attendance at a school event.”

Lavely’s prepared statement assured community members that officials “have the utmost respect for our flag and strive to display the highest levels of patriotism,” and the school supports veterans, but the potential for taunting was too much to allow the American flag inside of the stadium.

The principal’s comments came in response to a picture of one attendee with a large American flag speaking with a local police officer at the gate, and a message about school officials censoring the stars and bars.

Note the principal saying there was a "potential for taunting" – not that any actual taunting took place.  Even if it did, should the actions of a few knuckleheads lead to a wholesale punishment for those wishing to display their patriotism?

This isn't the first instance of flag-banning by the principle:

First, the day after Osama was killed in 2011 we were told we couldn’t have the American flag on our trucks on school property and the TRPD came and handled the situation. Lavely later apologized to our group.

Second, I was picking up my youngest brother and saw two high school boys handling our flag with disrespect at the flag pole as they let it drag the ground and he acted like it was not an issue.

Third, last night as I took the flag and attempted to enter myself he stated, “I have the authority to tell anyone they can’t bring it on the property.” Unfortunately the cops were not helpful and sided with Lavely even after stating “you’d probably win if you took it to the school district.” I’m no expert and don’t know the laws in and out. But.. if he has the power to strip Americans the right to boast the American flag after being pumped up about our Olympic run there is a much bigger problem. A problem that needs to be resolved.

I’m sick of this political correctness. We need to do something about it because it’s not getting any better.

I don't care how much school authorities swear they honor the flag.  They certainly don't honor what it stands for when they allow its suppression because some students don't show the proper respect for opponents.

How much do you want to bet that if some students wanted to burn the flag, their actions would be backed by authorities?

I'm with the kid quoted above.  School authorities should have their feet held to the fire for enacting idiotic rules like this based on nothing more than their own politically correct bias.